Stiffness in your hips when you bend, twist, or sit for long periods might seem like a small issue. But if that discomfort sticks around or worsens, it could be a sign of something more serious. Femoral acetabular impingement (FAI) happens when abnormal contact between the hip bones causes friction that wears down cartilage over time. Without early treatment, this condition can quietly lead to joint damage, labral tears, and painful limitations that affect how you move each day.
At Union County Orthopaedic Group in Union, NJ, our board-certified orthopedic specialists diagnose and treat complex hip conditions every day. With decades of experience and training in advanced joint preservation techniques, we help patients find real relief.
Signs You May Have Femoral Acetabular Impingement
While the hip joint is designed to move fluidly, structural differences in the joint shape can make simple motions feel stiff or painful. Here are symptoms that may signal FAI:
- Pain in the front of the hip or groin: Often worsens with prolonged sitting or activity.
- Limited hip mobility: Trouble bending, squatting, or rotating the hip.
- Clicking or catching: A sensation of the hip locking or popping during movement.
- Pain after exercise: Especially after activities involving the hips, like biking or dancing.
These symptoms may appear gradually or after a minor injury. Ignoring them can lead to joint degeneration or labral tears over time.
Treatment Options for Femoral Acetabular Impingement
Managing FAI depends on your age, symptoms, and how much damage is present. Most patients start with conservative treatments before exploring surgery. Here are common options:
- Physical therapy: Helps improve range of motion and strengthen supporting muscles.
- Activity modification: Avoiding repetitive hip flexion can reduce irritation.
- Anti-inflammatory medication: Eases swelling and discomfort.
- Corticosteroid injections: Temporarily reduce pain inside the hip joint.
- Hip arthroscopy: Minimally invasive surgery to remove bone spurs and repair damage.
Each approach is designed to reduce friction in the joint, improve function, and prevent future injury. If caught early, many cases avoid surgical intervention altogether.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters for Hip Impingement
Because FAI symptoms often mimic other hip or groin conditions, many patients wait too long to get a diagnosis. But delaying care can lead to cartilage damage, labral tears, or early-onset arthritis. Prompt treatment of femoral acetabular impingement can:
- Protect the joint from future breakdown.
- Preserve the labrum and cartilage.
- Reduce the chance of needing a hip replacement later in life.
If you’re experiencing unexplained hip pain, especially during movement or exercise, it’s worth getting evaluated by a hip specialist.
Get Back to Comfortable Movement Again
When hip pain begins to interfere with your everyday routine, you don’t have to wait for relief. Schedule an appointment today by calling 908-486-1111 to learn more about treatment options in Union and Linden, NJ.